Celtic’s move for Kelechi Iheanacho could face a late challenge, with Turkish club Samsunspor reportedly attempting to hijack the deal.
The Nigerian striker, who recently terminated his contract with Sevilla, is said to have reached a verbal agreement with Celtic. However, reports from Samsun Gazetesi claim Samsunspor are preparing an offer of their own in an effort to tempt the 28-year-old to Turkey.
Iheanacho is a familiar name to Brendan Rodgers, having played under the Celtic boss during their time together at Leicester City. Rodgers had been pushing to reunite with the forward after a chaotic deadline day left the champions short of striking options.
The forward endured a mixed 2024–25 campaign, registering four goals and two assists across 26 appearances for Sevilla and on loan at Middlesbrough. His pedigree, though, remains strong, having previously netted consistently in the Premier League and in European competitions.
Celtic had looked in pole position once Iheanacho’s Sevilla exit was confirmed, with international reports suggesting talks had reached an advanced stage. But Samsunspor’s interest threatens to complicate the situation at a time when Rodgers urgently needs reinforcements.
Failure to do so would mean Rodgers cannot call on the striker in Europe until the knockout stages, making a swift resolution absolutely critical.
The coming hours will determine whether Iheanacho honours the agreement said to be in place with Celtic or whether the Turkish club can persuade him to take a different path. For Celtic, who have already missed out on Adam Idah, Kasper Dolberg and David Datro Fofana, losing Iheanacho now would be another hammer blow in a transfer window already marked by setbacks.
